𝑀𝑦 𝐽𝐴𝐹𝐹 𝑂𝑏𝑠𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛

This short and sweet novella focuses on the stay of Jane and Elizabeth Bennet at Netherfield Park. Charles Bingley is in love with Jane. Fitzwilliam Darcy is infatuated with Elizabeth, but trying very hard not to be.  Charles sees that Elizabeth is the ideal partner for Darcy, if only he could let go of the “Darcy Pride”. When Darcy gives a less than pleasing opinion of Jane, as a match, Charles and Hurst take steps to convince Darcy of the worth of both ladies. A pleasing novella with an agreeable resolution. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. Amazon review Goodreads review

While we are familiar with matchmaking Mamas, it pays to watch out for the rarer, sneakier, devoted Father. Mr Bennet realises that Fitzwilliam Darcy is the perfect match for his witty, intelligent, stubborn daughter Elizabeth. Unfortunately, Darcy made a very poor, first impression and Elizabeth firmly believes that he is a dreadful man. The Netherfield Ball provides the opportunity for a compromise, when both Elizabeth and Darcy seek solitude to read in the library. Despite their innocent activities, discovery by Elizabeth’s gossiping Aunt Phillips seals their fate. Darcy is actually quite pleased, as he is in love with Elizabeth. He is mortified to discover that Elizabeth is devastated at the thought. So Darcy will have to work hard to win Elizabeth’s heart.  And what will the couple do when they realise Mr Bennet’s culpability? A short and sweet read. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. Amazon review Goodreads review

In this Austenesque novella, the action takes place in London.  Mr Edward Gardiner, uncle of Jane and Elizabeth Bennet, has been made a Baronet for services to Crown and Country. He invites his nieces to accompany him for the Season.  At the first ball they attend, Fitzwilliam Darcy delivers his infamous slight, dismissing Elizabeth as only tolerable. Unfortunately, the impact is much more devastating than if uttered at a country assembly. Elizabeth soon finds herself relegated to the Wallflowers, for if a man of consequence has dismissed her, Society will follow his lead.  Sadly, the rakes and lechers seem attracted by Elizabeth’s marginalised position. I enjoyed Elizabeth’s unofficial wallflower society, having spirited discussions with other ladies, slighted by Society. I cried for Elizabeth, as she is disillusioned following her exposure to the dark underbelly of the Ton. It is so well written. Darcy has to do a great deal to redeem himself, but fortunately, he is determined to suc

Fitzwilliam Darcy invites Elizabeth Bennet to a house party at Pemberley. He wishes her to befriend his sister and aid in her recovery from melancholy.  Although he doesn’t declare it, he wants to test whether his obsession with Elizabeth is just infatuation or real love, that can bridge the social chasm between them.  Elizabeth does not like Darcy but agrees, providing her sister Jane can accompany her. The goal being time with Mr Bingley, who Jane is in love with. As the party progresses, Elizabeth finds her opinion of Darcy softening. Her friendship with Georgiana makes progress but despite disclosing the events at Ramsgate, still more secrets are held back. A startling visitor reveals the secrets and all must work together to prevent disaster. This debut from Amelia Westerly is quite pleasing. There are some surprising plot developments, which seem to push propriety but nothing too outrageous. As a novella, there is sometimes a conflict between brevity and necessary depth.  I look

In this pride and prejudice variation, we know from the outset, that both Charles and Caroline Bingley are manipulative, fortune hunters. They pretend friendship to the fabulously wealthy, Fitzwilliam Darcy.  The plan is to get Caroline married to Darcy, then Charles married to Georgiana Darcy, for her fortune of £30,000.  They are playing a long game, having met Darcy at Cambridge, some years ago. Georgiana is only 15 years old, so patience is required. Fitzwilliam Darcy has avoided many fortune hunters and compromises since he left university. Unfortunately, he doesn’t see what the Bingley siblings are. When Darcy joins Charles at his new estate in Hertfordshire, he meets Elizabeth Bennet. Beautiful, witty, intelligent and the daughter of an impecunious country gentleman. Darcy is rapidly infatuated with Elizabeth, but is mindful of her lower status in society.  The return of William, beloved cousin of the Bennets, raises jealousy in Darcy and he knows his heart is committed to Eliza

This pride and prejudice variation gives us an origin story for Louisa Hurst, née Bingley. We are familiar with Louisa Hurst, portrayed as complicit with her harpy of a sister, Caroline Bingley or behaving as a vacuous female, absently playing with her bracelets. This Louisa is so much more! Daughter to a manipulative, coldly ambitious mother. Louisa is delighted to be courted by wealthy tradesman, Henry Tillman. However, when she tries to marry for love, rather than to aid her social climbing family, Mrs Bingley’s response is brutal and nearly fatal. Reluctant wife to Alfred Hurst, landed gentleman, with an estate in dire need of funds. He gains Louisa’s dowry of £20,000 to save his estate. He takes the money but never lets her forget that she is only the daughter of a tradesman. He and his friends enjoy disparaging Louisa for her origins. Hurst is controlling and abusive. He makes it clear that Louisa’s only value, is as a brood mare. The Hurst estate is rented out, so the Hursts a